Enriched Molybdenum

Enrichment of molybdenum in one of its seven natural isotopes and delivery in the chemical form required by the client

• The Challenge

  Molybdenum isotopes have many medical uses. For instance, ⁹⁸Mo and ¹⁰⁰Mo are used for new uranium-free production methods of ^99mTc, radioisotope used in most of nuclear imaging procedures. These applications require a high enrichment level, a very high chemical purity nd a secure and stable supply chain.

• The Solution

  With its gas centrifugation isotope separation process, using state-of-the-art centrifuges developed by ETC (a joint-venture between Urenco and Orano), Orano Stable Isotopes is able to enrich molybdenum up to 98%, for each one of its 7 natural isotopes (92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100). Orano offers a reliable, proven and efficient solution for molybdenum enrichment.

  This solution is completed with deconversion services in the chemical form required.

  

• Key Features

  • Enrichment up to 98% by gas centrifugation of MoF6 at the Tricastin site in one of the seven natural molybdenum isotopes

  • Delivery in various chemical form: metal powder (Mo), gaseous (MoF6), oxide (MoO3)

  

  Exploded view of the Stable Isotopes Laboratory

• Expertise & Experiences

  The stable isotopes production uses technologies and know-how developed for uranium over the past 60 years. With its 1900 employees, an R&D center with about 50 experts, and state-of-the-art industrial tools (the Philippe Coste plant for fluorine chemistry, the George Besse II factories using the most advanced centrifugation technology), the Tricastin site has naturally been chosen to host Orano’s stable isotopes production, which benefits from all the advantages provided by this industrial platform.

  

  Tricastin site

• Your Benefits at a glance

  • Very high chemical and isotopic purity

  • Proven technology

  • Reliable and thorough European supply chain and production

• Links

  Visit Orano Stable Isotopes website !